Signage removed from windows of Chuck’s Burger Bar

Signage has been removed from the front windows of Chuck’s Burger Bar in Victoria following allegations of sexual assault toward a former employee and cries from the public to have the restaurant shut down.

On Wednesday afternoon, the window stickers were seen being removed from the restaurant’s location at 538 Yates Street in downtown Victoria.

In addition to the window signs, the wooden sign that hung above the front entrance had also been removed from its bracket.

Plastic coverings could be seen on the tables and chairs inside the restaurant, while red construction tape hung outside.

CHEK News called the phone number for Chuck’s to learn more but was unable to reach anyone.

At this time, it is unclear whether the restaurant is permanently closing, changing hands, changing its name or simply undergoing renovations.

The company’s website appeared to still be active Wednesday as well as its Facebook page and Instagram account, but Chuck’s Twitter had been deactivated. However, the restaurant also appeared to post several new job openins on its website.

The company has found itself facing public backlash after one of its employees was accused of sexual assault.

Allegations toward the Chuck’s Burger Bar staff member came to light at the end of January after a handful of posts on social media accused the now-former employee of sexual harassment, assault and rape.

At the time the allegations came forward, the Yates Street restaurant said it was “fully surprised” by them but noted they were taking the situation seriously.

In a public Facebook post made at the beginning of February, Chuck’s indicated the employee had been fired.

“Although the former employee denies the allegations, Chuck’s Burger has nonetheless terminated all relations with this person and is now engaged in a thorough investigation,” the Facebook post read.

An investigation into the matter was launched by Victoria police; however, it quickly spanned beyond the city. The Victoria Police Department told CHEK News in early February that their investigation had widened to Ontario.

“It is our understanding that there are connections here to Ontario,” said Const. Cam MacIntyre with Victoria police. “We have been in contact communication with outside agencies in Ontario. And that will be a piece of the investigation moving forward.”

Since the employee’s firing, protests have been held both outside of Chuck’s and outside of Victoria Police headquarters, with demonstrators condemning sexual violence and the restaurant’s perceived behaviour.

Organizers at the protests have said they hope action is taken and their voices are heard in an effort to bring survivors of sexual assault justice.

Chuck’s Burger Bar has remained closed to the public for the last few weeks.

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If you have been a victim of sexualized violence, or have any information about the ongoing investigation, you can contact the Victoria Police Department or the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre.

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